Last Updated on August 28, 2024
Search for the Best Commercial Truck Tires
Several factors should be considered when choosing the best commercial truck tires for your case. It can be challenging to know where to start—overwhelming, to say the least—but don’t worry—we’ve put together this guide to make choosing your truck tires easier.
This article will discuss knowing your truck type, determining the trucking application, and understanding truck tire positions. We’ll then delve deeper into the tire features before we compare some commercial truck tires and discuss their significant strengths. We also included a section on maintenance tips that can help prolong the life of your new tires.
What do you drive? And what commercial truck tires do you need?
The first thing to consider when choosing commercial truck tires is knowing the type of truck you drive. This will affect the specifications and features of your new set of tires, such as its size, load capacity, and speed rating.
While you can see the recommended tires in your owner’s manual, you still have to choose which brand and specific model to buy. Each tire brand/model has different strengths and weaknesses, so you must select the best tires suited to your particular case.
Semi-Truck
- A semi-truck is a large, commercial truck typically used for long-haul, heavy-load transportation.
Dump Truck
- Dump trucks are similar in size and weight to semi-trucks but have tires that offer good traction for operating in challenging terrain.
Refrigerated Truck
- Refrigerated trucks transport perishable goods, such as food and medical supplies. They need tires that can handle the weight of the load and the extreme temperatures inside the car.
Flatbed Truck
- Flatbed trucks transport large and bulky items (i.e., construction materials, heavy machinery, and scrap metal).
Work Truck
- Work trucks have smaller tires than other commercial trucks and are used for less heavy applications.
Delivery Van
- Delivery vans are more minor than work trucks and have tires that can handle lighter loads (not exceeding 3,500 kilograms)
Type of Trucking Application: Long-haul or Regional?
What is long-haul trucking?
Long-haul trucking transports goods over long distances. It typically involves traveling on highways for long periods, and truckers must be able to handle their trucks in all weather and road conditions.
What is regional trucking?
Regional trucking transports goods over short to medium distances. This type of trucking typically involves traveling on highways for brief periods. Regional truckers must be able to handle their trucks in all kinds of weather and road conditions.
Understanding Commercial Truck Tires Positions
Steer tires
Steer tires are the most essential part of a truck, impacting handling and ride quality. They also take the most abuse due to contact with curbs and collisions. For this reason, choosing a steer tire that can handle the specific type of driving you’ll be doing is crucial.
For example, if you’re making regional deliveries, you’ll need a tire with added sidewall protection and a zigzag tread design. However, if you’re driving long hauls, you’ll want a steer tire with a straight, smooth tread for improved fuel economy.
Drive tires
Drive tires transfer power from the truck engine to the wheels. They need to handle a lot of wear and tear and extreme temperatures. When choosing drive tires, it is essential to consider the truck’s weight and the climate in which it will operate.
For example, you’ll need tires that can handle icy conditions in colder weather. If you’re in a hotter climate, you’ll need tires that can withstand high temperatures without wearing down quickly.
Trailer tires
Trailer tires differ from steer-and-drive tires because they don’t experience as much wear and tear. However, they are still crucial for ensuring safety while towing a trailer. When choosing trailer tires, it is vital to ensure they are the same size and type as your truck’s steer-and-drive tires. This will help ensure a smooth ride for your cargo.
Delving a bit deeper into commercial truck tire features:
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Tire Size
This is the first thing to consider when choosing tires. You’ll need to ensure they’re the right size for your truck. If you’re unsure what size tires you need, consult your owner’s manual.
- Tire Load
Capacity
A tire’s load capacity is the maximum weight it can support. This is important to consider because it will affect how well the tire performs under different conditions. Commercial truck tires are available in various load capacities, from light to heavy duty.
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Tread type
There are two main types of treads: all-terrain and off-road. All-terrain tires are designed for paved roads, while off-road tires are best for driving on unpaved surfaces. An all-terrain tire should be sufficient if you mainly drive on paved roads. However, consider an off-road tire if you’re going on a mix of surfaces.
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Tire Speed rating
The speed rating of a tire indicates the maximum speed at which it can be driven safely. It is essential to consider whether you’ll go on the highway regularly. The higher the speed rating, the more expensive the tire will be. However, it’s worth paying extra for a tire with a high-speed rating if you’ll be driving at high speeds frequently.
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Tire Durability
Durability is another critical factor to consider. You’ll want to choose a tire that can withstand the rigors of commercial use. Look for tires that are specifically designed for commercial trucks. These tires will typically have reinforced sidewalls and tougher treads.
Compare different brands and models of commercial truck tires
Check our commercial truck tire inventory here to find the best tires for your situation. Sample tire brands include Yokohama, BF Goodrich, Firestone, Mastercraft, Goodyear, Cooper, Continental, Sailun, Falken, GT Radial, and Michelin.
Remember, the best commercial truck tires depend on your specific case, requirements, budget, etc., so make sure you know what you need before buying.
Below, we give you a taste of the variety of commercial truck tire brands we carry and provide some interesting information about their features.
ALL-POSITION TIRE
Commercial truck owners love the Ironman I-109
Ironman I-109 Tires:
The Ironman I-109 is one of the toughest tires on the market – designed to handle even the most challenging road conditions.
- The Ironman I-109 is a commercial truck tire with improved durability and stability.
- This regional tire also provides better grip and handling capabilities in wet road conditions.
- The unique tread compound offers superior handling and braking capabilities.
- All steel construction evenly distributes acceleration and cornering for better wear.
- The robust casing provides extended durability and strength.
DRIVE TIRE
SmartWay-verified premium tire, backed by 60 years of extensive research
Arisun AD778 Tires:
The Arisun AD778 is a good choice for any commercial truck. Its wide tread design ensures even road contact and a comfortable ride. Its excellent performance and long-lasting durability make it perfect for any car.
- The Arisun AD778 is a premium tire backed by more than a half-century of research.
- It is best suited for commercial trucks and offers several benefits and features, including being SmartWay verified and having a wide tread for even road contact.
- The Arisun AD778 also has an enhanced tread compound and CAD Tire for long-lasting tire life and grooves with an advanced rib design that penetrates the road for perfect traction.
STEER TIRE
The toughest tire for the roughest roads
Vitour VA23 Tires:
When you need a tire that can handle whatever comes its way, rely on Vitour VA23.
- The Vitour VA23 is a commercial truck tire best suited for trucks and buses.
- It features a closed shoulder design for maximum protection and decreased irregular tread wear.
- The VA23 also has four wide grooves to decrease water traction and risks of hydroplaning, as well as patterned sipes within the tire’s center ribs for added bite and road grip.
- It uses a tough rubber compound for extended tire life.
TRAILER TIRE
Get a Grip: GTX1 Tires for Superior Handling
Goodride GTX1 Tires:
The best tires for the worst conditions.
- The Goodride GTX1 is a tire designed for commercial trucks, buses, and other long-haul applications.
- Superior traction: Its zigzag grooves and ribs provide consistent dry, wet, and winter traction and control even at high speeds.
- It offers enhanced stability and precise steering response for improved handling
Engineered for long hauls and consistent traction
Continental HT3 EcoPlus – Trailer Tire:
- Maximum protection. Maximum efficiency.
- The Continental Conti EcoPlus HT3 is best suited for commercial truck-trailer vehicles and busy drivers looking for an efficient and reliable tire.
- Its advanced tread compound and design are feature-packed, assuring overall tire protection, maximum retread ability, and exceptional mileage.
- The Conti EcoPlus HT3 is SmartWay Verified with ultra-low rolling resistance for fuel efficiency on long hauls. It also has engraved sipes for consistent traction in dry, wet, or light snow conditions.
- The brand-new Conti 3G casing also ensures retread ability, while the robust sidewall structure provides optimal cut and chip resistance.
MOTORHOME/RV
Engineered for durability and long life
Americus AP2000 Tires:
These tires don’t just look tough; they are tough.
- The Americus AP2000 is a premium steer and all-position tire for commercial trucks and buses.
- This all-season truck tire was engineered with a highly durable casing and a strong belt carcass. It is mainly built to serve as a steering tire but can also be mounted as an all-position tire.
- Americus AP2000 tires feature a low rolling resistant tread compound that offers high mileage and fuel saving in any condition.
- These truck/bus tires are durable and resistant to cuts and abrasions.
Ensuring longevity for your new truck tires
Here are practical tips on how to maintain your commercial truck tires:
- Regularly inspect your tires for signs of wear and tear. This includes checking for cracks, bald spots, or excessive tread wear.
- Properly inflate your tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will help to prevent premature wear and tear.
- Rotate your tires regularly. This will help to distribute wear and tear evenly.
By following these simple tips, your tires will last many miles.
Selecting and Maintaining Commercial Truck Tires for Optimal Performance
Tire selection should take into account what the truck operates in. For example, heavy-duty tires are designed to handle greater loads and stresses than passenger car tires. They are heavier, stronger, and thicker than passenger car tires. This allows them to withstand the pressure of operating in extreme environments like off-road use, construction sites, mining operations, etc.
Tires must be inspected and maintained correctly to ensure longevity. Reviewing tires regularly helps identify problems early on and avoid costly repairs later. Proper maintenance includes inspecting tread depth, checking inflation pressure, and rotating tires periodically. Doing so could save you money and prevent expensive damage to your vehicle. We hope this article has helped you choose the best commercial truck tires for your needs.
Conclusion
Understanding commercial truck tires’ sizes and types is crucial for safe and efficient trucking operations. We are your trusted source for commercial truck tires, and our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t compromise on quality or safety – choose the best commercial truck tires from Truck Tires today and keep your fleet rolling smoothly and securely down the road. Your commercial truck tires, your business, and your drivers deserve nothing less than the very best.
Discover a treasure trove of tire-related insights! Tire Easy Truck’s website has more valuable articles.
- Spotlight on Goodyear Commercial Truck Tires: Are You Ready to Hit the Road?
- Best commercial truck tires: Unlocking the Potential of Your Heavy-Duty Vehicle with Our Top 8 Picks Tires
- Truck Tires: Warning Signs That Your Truck Tires Are Bailing Out on You
FAQs
What size are commercial truck tires?
Commercial truck tires come in various sizes, but common sizes for standard commercial vehicles are 22.5 inches and 24.5 inches. The size you need depends on your specific truck’s specifications.
What are commercial truck tires?
Commercial truck tires are heavy-duty for delivery trucks, semi-trucks, and buses. They are built to withstand the weight and demands of these vehicles and provide stability and durability.
How heavy is a commercial tire?
The weight of a commercial truck tire varies depending on its size and type. Due to their robust construction and materials, these tires can average 100 to 150 pounds or more.
What type of tires do semi trucks use?
Semi-trucks typically use heavy-duty, long-haul tires designed for highway use. These tires are known for their durability, high mileage, and fuel efficiency, and they are essential for the long journeys that semi-trucks undertake.
